Tube strike: The charts that reveal the 'cushy life' of tube drivers – £49k salary, 43 days off a year and a 36-hour week
Other London Underground staff are also paid favourably compared to similar professions
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The tube strike has caused many heated arguments on social media over the course of the 24-hour transport black-out in London.
Commuters have vented their frustration at over-paid tube drivers, who start on a £49,763 salary, while others insist the strike action is nothing to do with pay but with plans to run the tube network 24-hours a day from September.
And then there are others who point out that it's not just tube drivers who are on strike, but other London Underground staff too. The problem with that argument is that although they're paid less than tube drivers, their pay still compares favourably to similar professions.
Transport for London has confirmed that customer service assistants start on a generous pay and benefits package of around £30,000, while station supervisors rival tube drivers with salaries of more than £50,000.
All station staff are being offered a pay rise this year. London Underground do not pay cleaners directly - they're employed by contractors.
Regardless of what the strike is about, here are some charts that compare the pay and conditions enjoyed by tube drivers to those of similar professions. Figures are industry averages.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments